Former WCU Graduate Wins Film School Fellowship

Tad Daggerhart, a 2008 graduate of Western Carolina University, has been awarded an Annenberg Graduate Fellowship to continue his studies in the writing program at the University of Southern California Film School

The USC Annenberg Graduate Fellowship Program provides eligible graduate students in three USC schools funding so they may conduct cutting-edge communication and digital media research, and advance important new programs in the communications arena. Deans of the schools nominate students for the fellowship.

Daggerhart is the son of Gene and Sherri Daggerhart, graduated from high school in Gaffney, S.C., and completed his undergraduate studies at Furman University in Greenville, S.C. He earned his master's degree in professional writing at WCU in 2008.

"Tad is a great example of a Western Carolina grad going on to do impressive work because of the mentorship he received here," said Brian Gastle, English department head at WCU.

Terry Curtis Fox, a professional screenwriter and producer whose film and television credits include "Hill Street Blues," "JAG," "The Hunger" and "Stargate SG-1," served as Daggerhart's primary mentor at WCU. Fox teaches a series of screenwriting courses that culminate in a completed, production-ready script. He also teaches film studies courses that focus on important screenwriters, and serves on the Motion Picture Studies Steering Committee, which organizes the development of motion picture studies across the university.